Judge warns Wexford man accused of assault he is on ‘thin ice’
Wexford PeopleA Wexford man has been granted bail in connection with an assault on a woman he was living with at a recent sitting of Wexford District Court.
Garda Paul Ryan gave evidence to the court that on May 19 the injured party attended at the garda station to make a complaint against the man she was living with.
The court heard that the accused had moved in with the woman a number of months earlier and the pair become involved in a romantic relationship.
On the day in question the man had invited a woman to stay with him who he had stated was his sister.
It transpired the woman was not his sister, but rather a new girlfriend of the accused causing an argument to break out between the pair.
During the course of the argument the accused allegedly hit the complainant over the head with a bottle of Captain Morgan, punching her in the face, and told her “I am a man, I can do what I want”.
The accused then returned to his bedroom where the new girlfriend was waiting.
Garda Ryan stated he would have serious concerns for the inured party in this case if the accused was given bail. The garda stated he was of the opinion the accused would commit further similar offences and continue displaying violence towards women.
Judge Cheatle had concerns for the injured party and commented that he did “not want her to become a statistic”.
However, the complainant later informed the court that she had no fear of the accused and would have no concerns for her safety should he be released from custody.
Gardaí disputed this position, suggesting they believed the woman may have been influenced by the accused’s new partner to make the statement, something the complainant denied.
Judge Cheatle ultimately granted bail, but warned the accused he was on “thin ice”.
Strict bail conditions were imposed, including that the accused stay away from the area of Wexford where the complainant lives, have no direct or indirect contact with her, provide a phone number to gardaí and remain contactable at all times, sign on at a garda station three times a week, and observe a nightly curfew from 10pm to 6am.
The case was adjourned to June 11 for directions to be given from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).